What’s the difference between an adventure sport and an extreme sport?

Robb Y    Outdoor Activities    

Exploration is a human trait. There seems to be no end to how far we will search, how high we will climb and which challenges we set ourselves.

And its here we find the difference between adventure sports and extreme sports: Extreme sports are often adventurous, but adventure sports need not be ‘Extreme’.

It’s a hotly contested topic, but let’s look at a few examples and see if we can close the debate a little.

An adventure sport is one that takes us close to nature, one where nature is the playground: take trekking, or a rail and jeep tour across the US, for instance. These are adventurous activities, but ones that can be undertaken at a leisurely pace, where risk is easily moderated.

Bungee jumping, on the other hand, fits better into the extreme sports category, along with other high-octane pursuits, such as kitesurfing parachuting, and the very extreme, base jumping.

Now mountainbiking can fall into both categories: Riding a mountain bike on a gentle wooded track is an adventure sports activity, taking it downhill across unchartered tracks is an extreme sports activity.

And there are watersports in both categories, as well. Scuba diving, thanks to modern equipment, is a safe way to explore the wonders of reefs and the undersea realms; freediving, diving as deep as possible without breathing apparatus, is clearly more ‘extreme’ than ‘adventurous’.

So, we have some clear differences. But what brings the two sports categories together is the physical experience. That’s because both sports are enjoyed by people who prefer to pack up their gear and head ‘out there’, than rest up till Monday. And these kind of endeavors often lead us closer to nature and definitely help us drop a pound or two.

All things considered, it’s not surprising both adventure sports and extreme sports are becoming more popular. Instead of going all out and taking up one of these challenging activities, you can even try them with a gift certificate.

So, perhaps the best way to answer the question ‘what’s the difference between an adventure sport and an extreme sport’ is to get out there and find out for yourself?

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